The lead researcher involved in a contentious heart study conducted on canines is upholding the significance of his work amidst the closure of his lab in London, Ontario, and threats from the province’s premier to outlaw dog research. Frank Prato, in an exclusive interview with CBC London, revealed that two separate animal ethics committees had exonerated him from all accusations of animal mistreatment.
An investigation exposed that scientists at Lawson Research Institute, based at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, were inducing three-hour heart attacks in dogs and puppies in a covert manner, followed by euthanasia and heart extraction for further examination. The research was allegedly kept confidential, with animals brought into the hospital concealed in crates and loud music used to mask their sounds.
Subsequently, St. Joseph’s terminated Prato’s study amid public outrage, including strong condemnation from Premier Doug Ford, who pledged to crack down on scientists conducting animal experiments and proposed legislation to ban invasive medical research on cats and dogs. Prato countered the secrecy claims, stating that he had been using dogs to study post-heart attack scenarios since 1982, emphasizing the lack of suffering in anesthetized dogs compared to humans.
Two independent reviews by Western University’s Animal Care Committee (ACC) and the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) found no substantiation of misconduct in Prato’s lab, affirming that the study did not induce heart failure and ensured the dogs’ well-being throughout the process. The investigations included on-site assessments, record examinations, and interviews with involved personnel.
The dogs received close monitoring post-surgery, with regular veterinary check-ups, social interactions, appropriate bedding, toys, and nutrition. The university review emphasized the significant global contributions of Prato’s research to the clinical management of myocardial infarction patients.
Prato defended the use of dogs in cardiac research, stressing the potential advancements in heart disease treatment that could be hindered by discontinuing such studies. He highlighted the anatomical similarities between human and canine cardiovascular systems, citing the effectiveness of dogs in studying heart attack mechanisms. Despite facing personal and professional repercussions, Prato underscored his concern for cardiac patients and the potential setback caused by halting this research.